What The Modern Elder Academy Taught Me About Transitions, Identify, and Purpose

I recently completed the Modern Elder Academy Seminar. It was an amazing experience. I took some time on Creating Your Encore Career to share my initial reflections on it.

Basics of the Academy

I’ve talked about The Modern Elder Academy in previous episodes of the podcast, but for those who don’t know, it’s built upon the idea that, as we approach midlife, there are things we should continue doing with our careers. 

At about age 55, people start thinking of retiring but, at that age, we’re only halfway through our adult life. People are living longer and healthier these days and living longer will be more expensive.

This is what the whole premise of my podcast and the concept of Encore Careers is based on. The Modern Elder Academy serves in this area as well. It was established as a residency-based program in Baja, Mexico and, while COVID required changing that, it is now an amazing virtual program.

There are video elements of the residential program, recorded sessions from thought leaders, some “stretch” elements like poetry and other media, and reflection pieces built in. There are large live events spaced into the program with breakouts for smaller groups and weekly “cafes” that are loosely structured around the week’s content. 

The program has both a generous amount of content and flexibility in the live sessions. There is time intentionally allowed for people to ask questions and share observations.

Transitions and Purpose

Two main focuses of the academy are transitions and purpose. Some of the main themes around transitions discussed in the academy include:

1. Personal

2. Physical

3. Psychological

4. Mortality

5. Professional

6. Purpose

When you’re in transitions like these, you must go through certain stages. First, you must acknowledge that you’re leaving something. Then, you must embrace the messy middle and let yourself be in “the soup.” Finally, you can start navigating your new beginnings.

During transitions, especially that of going from a corporate to an Encore Career, identity and purpose are so important. Why?

• They help you move from achievement to significance

• They move you from a Human Doing to a Human Being

• They allow you to create a portfolio life

Learn more about The Modern Elder Academy here!

How Jonathan Milligan Built a Successful Online Business Through Connections

Jonathan Milligan helps entrepreneurs develop their businesses through training, coaching, and live events.

I first worked with Jonathan when I was beginning the journey of starting my business. Now, I’m a member and a coach in his group coaching practice. 

Recently on Creating Your Encore Career, Jonathan shared how he got started and how his business grew and developed. He talked about how, after creating a successful business, he then moved on to a deeper question: “Am I making a difference, as well as making money?”

Jonathan also shared how he discovered the importance of building relationships. He realized that they are just as important as providing knowledge. 

Group Coaching

For example, Jonathan adopted a group coaching model. Being in a group coaching program is amazing because you’re in it with people who have different business intents but are all on the same journey. In these programs, everyone brings different insights.

 Additionally, people come for the mentor but stay for the community. Building a business is hard work and takes time so you need a community there to support you.

Live Events

Jonathan also puts on an annual live event. He has learned some amazing insights from his years of experience in live events. If you’re considering adding this aspect to your business, here is his advice:

• Start small and be okay with that. If you limit the number of people who can sign up the first time you do it, it takes away the fear that no one will show up.

• Get your attendees talking. Have people discuss what they’re learning at their tables and in breakout rooms.

• If people feel heard more than they are being taught, you have a successful event.

Business-Building Roadmap

Jonathan now has a roadmap for entrepreneurs. It is a set of courses from level one to seven. You get plugged into a level depending on your business goals and progress. When you graduate one level, you unlock the next, join a new mastermind, and get a new coach.

When students are in this roadmap, Jonathan helps them adopt a “do this next” mindset. Instead of spreading your energy out and getting distracted by a million things, focus on the one thing you should do next. 

It is these small, specific steps that build momentum.